View Full Version : Scandi Pack Pal
rapidboy
16-02-2005, 19:39
So the wait is finally over and it's here at last.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1446crop_1a.jpg
I opted for full tang construction ,natural micarta scales and mosaic pins with a fire steel holder on the sheath.
I have been waiting a while for this and during that time i have read various reviews about Allan's knives ,most if not all rave about his knives and now im going to add my voice to that chorus ,this is simply a most impressive little knife.
First impression was that I hadn't realised how small this was going to be ,second impression was how capable this "little" knife is.
Shown here against a WS micarta Woodlore and a (slightly modified) BRKT Northstar.
It's not fair to compare this little knife to the other "full size" knives but it's very capable and would make a great neck knife.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1437_1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1438_1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1435_1.jpg
It is easily (and securely due to the finish on the scales ) held in any position.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1462_1a.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1464_1a.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1467_1a.jpg
I have to admit that i wasn't sure what to expect from this knife ,the BRKT Northstar was a big disappointment to me and i did at one point during the wait for this knife wonder if it was "an American thing" and that they just interpret Bushcraft knives differently to us ,but Allan is spot on with this.
It arrived sharp but not shaving sharp but a few minutes with some 1200 wet and dry and a strop and it's a razor.
It passes all the usual tests ,feather sticks ,firesteel etc. with flying colour's.
Much better than the Northstar and on a par with the WS Woodlore.
It's very well put together with a nice even blade grind and the scales are a really nice fit (better assembled than my Northstar).
The micarta has a textured finish that is really grippy and comfortable (better grip than the polished micarta on my Woodlore ) ......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1443crop_1.jpg
.....and is nicely profiled
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1441crop_1.jpg
The sheath is also impressive ,i have no previous experience with kydex and i am impressed at how securely it holds the knife.
The sheath is neat and because of the off set belt loop the knife is held away from your body and makes withdrawl very easy.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1452crop_1a.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1450crop_1a.jpg
I will make a couple of leather sheath's for it im sure but the kydex does a great job.
I have another of Allan's knives arriving in a few days (Field Puukko) and im sure it will not be the last.
It was a pleasure dealing with Allan ,he was very patient with my barrage of questions and always answered my emails quickly and informatively.
He has a very down to earth and accommodating manner.
Now the long term testing begins and im looking forward to it.
rb
Spot on RB - these are great knives and a leather neck sheath would look the mutts nuts mate.
Thanks rb. Some great reviews been coming from down your way recently. :biggthump :You_Rock_
rapidboy
16-02-2005, 20:03
a leather neck sheath would look the mutts nuts mate.
Just playing around with some idea's now Gary.
A neck sheath for sure and maybe a cross draw.
I have one on order, they are priced so low. Looking forward to it even more! :D
I reckon im gonna have to try and make a sheath for it though.
Very nice eh? Mine continues to amaze me too. The handle contour is very nice in the hand and his fit is vastly more impressive than any other knife I have ever seen in the price category (or for that matter much more).
Yours is a near twin of mine with those scales and pins.
http://img127.exs.cx/img127/5177/abladespackpal9aa.jpg
I think I will have to look into his field puukko too. Did you order one to match?
rapidboy
16-02-2005, 20:46
I took the pics before i sharpened mine Schwert and now my blades nice and bright like your's ,the contrast looks really nice.
I originally ordered it with the hollow rivets but i got those on my Northstar and i don't like them so i changed my order to pin's and when i see it up close im glad i did.
I wanted to try another of Allan's knives and the Bushcrafter seemed pretty close to other knives i have already so i thought i'd try the Field Puukko ,(His new blade grind on the Bushcrafter looks good so maybe sometime ,and i know it's not very "bushcrafty" but i've always had a thing for Bowies and he makes some very nice Combat Bowie's. :naughty: )
Allan had this one for sale on here and BB a while back but i missed it by a few minutes so i asked him to make me one the same.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/proto_field_puukko_web.jpghttp ://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/bladecutlery1006001.jpg
It was supposed to come with the Pack Pal but there was a problem with the handle and Allan wanted to make a new one.
I just heard from him tonight ,it has a new handle and it's on it's way.
I had an idea to make a leather pouch sheath for it with a flap like the Fallkniven F1 or the Grohmann Canadian Forces issue sheath but the kydex is very practical and not as "tactical" as i imagined so im not sure.
rb
Celtic Dragon
16-02-2005, 21:22
:cry: :cry: :cry: I hate you all!!! :D You aint making my wait any easier :D:D:D I've got 2 Packpals on order, and seeing these pics, I WANT MINE!!! :D:D:D
Look lovely though, cant wait to get my hands on 1 so see them in the flesh.
MagiKelly
16-02-2005, 21:43
It's always nice to see another convert.
Whats the current wait time to get them from Allen?
Whats the current wait time to get them from Allen?
Not 100% sure, but I think it is about 2-3 months, but it is also worth looking out for what he has for sale at the moment :Crazy_071
Celtic Dragon
16-02-2005, 22:02
Whats the current wait time to get them from Allen?
10 - 12 weeks when I spoke to Allan a couple of weeks ago.
That long ............ mmmmmmmmmmmmmm :rolmao: :rolmao: :rolmao:
Celtic Dragon
16-02-2005, 22:28
Yup, so I have 3 knives all with about the same ETA. Oh well have to take time off work to play with them all :D
Nightfall
16-02-2005, 22:30
The wait is abit. But it is worth it. I ordered a Runt to match my PackPal. I'll blame that one on seeing MagiKellys Runt. :naughty:
2blackcat
17-02-2005, 08:50
I'm with C.D on this one.
Two on order with a ten to twelve week wait :shock:
Steve
rapidboy
19-02-2005, 16:43
So i had to work today but i made time to try the Pack Pal.
Battened it through some small green branch's with ease and then decided to try it on some timber from the wood pile.
Now this timber has been seasoned for 2 years for burning in my stove and it's really hard ,tried my GB mini on it and it was glancing off dangerously in all directions.
Now the Pack Pal has a short blade but it is very strong so i made a wedge and then Battened the knife into a piece of wood that was thicker than the blade was long.
Then having no blade to batten i drove the wedge in behind and drove the blade on through this split the wood easily into manageable pieces.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1480_1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1484_1.jpg
It great to be able to do such work with such a small knife.
After this i Battened the pieces into smaller sticks and made some shavings.
I find that scraping wood with a blade to produce a fine tinder for the ferrorod gives a good indication of edge retention.
Many blades will roll quite easily doing this but he Pack Pal took this in it's stride.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1490_1.jpg
I tried to use the ferrorod and while the knife throws sparks well enough i did find the blade a little short and it was difficult to direct the sparks so i used my new firesteel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1492_1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1494_1ab.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/414_1496_1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1502_1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1505_1.jpg
And got a rewarding brew at the end of it :o):
No time to go hunting this weekend so i will have to wait to see how it handles game preparation.
rb
Cheers for the review RB. You make the wait harder...:D
Jake.
Great review rb. Cheers. :You_Rock_
Celtic Dragon
19-02-2005, 17:25
RB,
I've got 1 of those cookers and can never get it to work properly, whats the best thing you have found to run it on??
Oh and thanks a bunch for making my wait even longer :( :***: :mrgreen:
rapidboy
19-02-2005, 17:44
It runs best on fine dry split sticks and shavings but i have brewed up on dry grass and pine cones.
It burns fuel up pretty fast so a brew is fine but forget boiling and simmering for any length of time.
Nice pics RB.
PackPals rock :o):
Excellent use of that wooden wedge. I usually give the wedge a light tap, pull the knife out, and then split it the rest of the way. Otherwise if you drive the wedge too far at first, the knife (or small hatchet even) may slip out and fall on your foot. :shock:
I like that little cooker too. Works a treat if you have plenty of small pieces or twigs of dry wood. You definitely have to keep it fed.
Nice one. I like that firebox. I have not seen that one before, what is it called?
I have seen them over here at Trek Direct (http://www.trekdirect.co.uk/main.htm), they are under the cooking section as the pocket cooker, you may be able to get some more info on them there Randy :-)
rapidboy
21-02-2005, 18:30
Nice one. I like that firebox. I have not seen that one before, what is it called?
Schwert ,I got mine from Cabela's many years ago but i think they still list them.
Nice one. I like that firebox. I have not seen that one before, what is it called?
You should be able to get them over there, I think they're made in the US.
I do not see it listed anymore, but I will keep my eyes open. It looks like a neat design....no wonder it is not listed anymore eh?
brucemacdonald
21-02-2005, 21:25
I have seen them over here at Trek Direct (http://www.trekdirect.co.uk/main.htm), they are under the cooking section as the pocket cooker, you may be able to get some more info on them there Randy :-)
Listed as "temporarily" unavailable. "Sorry, still no sign of new stocks."
Best wishes
Bruce
brucemacdonald
21-02-2005, 21:27
And on the subject of Scandi Pack Pals, Allan emailed me today to inform me that mine is ready to ship. :super: :naughty: :wave: :You_Rock_ :Crazy_071 :Crazy_071 :Crazy_071 :Crazy_071 :Crazy_071
Just paid him this evening.
Looking forward to getting it real soon now.
Best wishes
Bruce
2blackcat
21-02-2005, 22:49
Nononononono!!
That is not fair.
Thank you very much for making a long wait longer :cry:
Celtic Dragon
22-02-2005, 00:04
Nice one. I like that firebox. I have not seen that one before, what is it called?
Schwert.
If your any good at fabrication I can send you pics and dimentions of the cooker so you can make your own.
I've never had much luck with mine so am designing my own that will cope with damper wood. For this 1, the wood has to be bone dry (not much chance in the wet uk)
OK let me catch up with this thread....
is this:
http://www.trekdirect.co.uk/acatalog/pocketstove.jpg
What we are talking about....???
trek direct (great stor) have changed the way of things lately (and i like it) bit i may have gotten confused in the lee of it all...
however if this what was being discussed.. Schwert remember my previous offer!! :wink: :wave:
Celtic Dragon
22-02-2005, 04:53
Spot on tomtom, that is what is being discussed.
And on the subject of Scandi Pack Pals, Allan emailed me today to inform me that mine is ready to ship. :super: :naughty: :wave: :You_Rock_ :Crazy_071 :Crazy_071 :Crazy_071 :Crazy_071 :Crazy_071
Just paid him this evening.
Looking forward to getting it real soon now.
Best wishes
Bruce
You wont be disappointed Bruce!!
Hopefully I'll soon have a few too - hurry up Allen.
Here's my little Pocket Cooker in action. Schwert I thought you had seen this before but I guess not. A little tea brewing in my mucket.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images8/pocketcooker1c.jpg
I bought mine from Cabelas but I just went over there and could not find it. :?:
Ahhhh, now I remember seeing that pocket stove before, Hoodoo, but for some reason I did not file it away with the other "must have" bits. Now of course, that I have seen it again, and registered seeing it, I want one. I could not find it listed at Trek Direct (as it was listed but not in stock) or at Cabela's or similar places.
No way do I want to try and fabricate one.... :shock: Much too lazy for that.
I am not even sure why I want one....but that is typically "normal" for me. TomTom, I think I will send you a PM.
rapidboy
22-02-2005, 20:06
My Field Puukko arrived yesterday so i was able to sharpen it last night and take a few pic's today.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1548_1.jpg
The fit and finish is superb ,excellent blade grind and the overall design is very pleasing.
I opted not to have the protective finish on the blade and the spine is nice and square and throws sparks very well from a firesteel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1551_1.jpg
The scale material is wood and micarta and the wood is very textured which gives a pleasing grip even when wet.
I asked Allan about the wood and he said it is ," Ipe` Hardwood ,it is Mildew, and rot and insect proof for like 100 yrs when used as outdoor decking so i think it will be fine "
It feels almost synthetic and appears to be extremely durable.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1555_1.jpg
The handle is a good shape and the hidden tang made it much more comfortable to hold than the others when taking these shots in the snow.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1541_1.jpg
Overall dimensions make for a good user and i like the way the blade grind comes right back to the handle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1544_1.jpg
Allan's work continues to impress me ,personally i still prefer a full tang construction and a thicker blade but as i say that's a personal preference and the knife is a fine tool that should provide years of service.
Sadly those years of service will not be with me as my father has already spotted it and commandeered it as a replacement to his Frost Mora.
I will probably order a replacement along with a few other knives from Allan as i'd like to give his Field Puukko a proper test (and my father won't lend me this one as he hate's to see me "abuse" things) :roll: .
One other thing ,i found the firesteel holder to be a little over sized and the steel was not held in place properly ,Allan told me to heat it with a hair dryer for a few minutes and then give it a pinch.
A couple of minutes later and it was a perfect fit but it occurred to me that you can compensate for your firesteel as it wears ,something you can't do with a leather sheath so another plus point for kydex .
rb
That Field Puukko looks just right. I like the edge back to the bolster too, and the micarta/wood combo handle really looks great.
I think electing to not have the coating is a very good idea. I wonder if I need one of these :shock:
rapidboy
22-02-2005, 20:38
I wonder if I need one of these :shock:
Funny i find myself asking the same thing quite a lot these day's :o):
tenbears10
22-02-2005, 21:09
Very nice RB. I like it a lot. My pack pal has the same grind which continues into the handle and the coffin tang. Shame you Dad appears to have nicked it :roll:
[A little tea brewing in my mucket.
Explain this "mucket" and whee one might find info on them :naughty:
Ahhhh, now I remember seeing that pocket stove before, Hoodoo, but for some reason I did not file it away with the other "must have" bits. Now of course, that I have seen it again, and registered seeing it, I want one. I could not find it listed at Trek Direct (as it was listed but not in stock) or at Cabela's or similar places.
No way do I want to try and fabricate one.... :shock: Much too lazy for that.
I am not even sure why I want one....but that is typically "normal" for me. TomTom, I think I will send you a PM.
Schwert, you might try out the fire spout mini. I bought one but have not had a chance to try it out. There's not much to it and no base. The fire is right on the ground. Very heavy duty though. If this one burns well, I might try to make one out of lighter material. Like maybe a coffee can. :rolmao:
I'm going to try mine sitting on a cookie sheet, like the pocket cooker above.
fire spout mini (http://www.occuk.co.uk/outdoor/firespout-mini.html)
theres a load of variation on this theam around theres one called the "hobo stove" looked quite good!
NB. Sorry, still no sign of new stocks!
a mucket, IIRC also known as a corn boiler is a large mug/kettle/billy can with both a cup handle and a bail, and a hinged lid like a beer stein.
a quick google for "mucket corn boiler" throws up several sources
http://www.richmonville.com/3013.htm
http://www.texassutler.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=122
cheers, and.
Thanx Sargy...!
Link for Pocket Cooker
http://www.outdoorbuyer.net/cab/0010174512000a.htm
Thanx Sargy...!
Link for Pocket Cooker
http://www.outdoorbuyer.net/cab/0010174512000a.htm
Ravenn, glad sargey got back to you on that. Mucket's are nice. Mine is not traditional because it's stainless.
If you click on that link you posted for the pocket cooker, then click on the "click here to purchase" link, it just kicks you to their main page.
My guess is that they no longer carry it.
Another victim of Herblock's Law. Thanks for the efforts folks. I guess I will finally have to get out the church key and my coffee can....
ChrisKavanaugh
24-02-2005, 00:44
The pocket cooker was made in Israel. They seem to be out of production.
Thanx Chris, Schwert,and Hoodoo,
shame about the cooker too,seemed like a good idea.
Oh well..back to perfecting the "Beef Stew Can Trangia Stand" so far, it fits inside my Peak 1 Outfitter small billy. Wind screen next.
Thanx Chris, Schwert,and Hoodoo,
shame about the cooker too,seemed like a good idea.
Oh well..back to perfecting the "Beef Stew Can Trangia Stand" so far, it fits inside my Peak 1 Outfitter small billy. Wind screen next.
Ravenn you already been beat there mate - clikstand!
Schwert, you could always try this twigburner. As you might remember, I got this idea off a website but unfortunately I do not have the link to it handy. Plus I feel really guilty that I have yet to try this out. But I expect great things from it. And it is very light. If anyone has the link, please post it. Also, sorry for the thread drift but sometimes these things happen in good ways. :-)
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images8/twigburner1b.jpg
And just to help keep us on track, here's another scandi packpal pic: :lol:
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images9/packpalscandi1b.jpg
Ravenn you already been beat there mate - clikstand!
:biggthump Right you are ,Gary!! I love that concept. But inthe interest of economics,(and the future hope of an Allen Blades knife,or BRK&T product) the stew can/hardware wire stand will fill in. of course.. there is also the state lotto.. hmmm need tickets...
http://www.opencountrycampware.com/products/index.phtml?catid=400
a pretty nifty billie.to put on said clickstand :super:
hoodoo why do you choose a box/coffin tang over a regular full tang?
hoodoo why do you choose a box/coffin tang over a regular full tang?
Who said I chose one over the other? I have both. :wave:
I really like the coffin tang though. Very comfortable design and very strong, especially the way Allan does his. And in the winter, the coffin tang is a lot easier on the hand than the full tang with it's exposed metal. Also, I generally prefer the balance of a coffin tang over a full tang, unless the tang is tapered. It's just personal preference and a minor one at that.
rapidboy
24-02-2005, 18:09
The pocket cooker was made in Israel. They seem to be out of production.
Guy's i saw these for sale over here a few months ago.
The shop is not local but if i will try to find out if they have any left.
MagiKelly
24-02-2005, 22:50
Guy's i saw these for sale over here a few months ago.
The shop is not local but if i will try to find out if they have any left.
If they do can you get one for me too?
Thanks
rapidboy
25-02-2005, 19:27
I will get them for anybody that want's them but i will have to check if they have any left.
rapidboy
26-02-2005, 09:39
Thought i'd try making a little neck sheath for this one.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1572_1.jpg
Didn't turn out as well as i wanted but at least i have the dimensions sorted for the next one.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/415_1583_1.jpg
rb
brucemacdonald
26-02-2005, 09:53
Nice work rb.
Do you have a pattern for that?
rapidboy
26-02-2005, 09:59
I make templates for all my sheath's ,i was trying to make this one as compact as possible but i will make the next one a little larger.
rb
Great work RB.. your sheath work is top notch mate :biggthump
that is a fine looking sheath RB your becoming a real craftsman :wave:
Nightfall
26-02-2005, 15:20
Nothing wrong with that. It looks great.
Wow! Great sheath! Nice job on forming it. :super:
Nice sheath RB. That's my least favourite knifemaking job and I really suck at it. I have about 7 knives waiting for sheaths :roll:
Wow RB. That is really nice.
Great work mate :super:
Stunning work there RB. Thats how a sheath should look imo! :biggthump
Cheers.